Barack Obama Pays Tribute to Nelson Mandela: He Belongs to the Ages

Barack Obama Statement on Death of Nelson Mandela

US president Barack Obama has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela who has died aged 95.

Obama spoke about Mandela's legacy and influence on the course of history, shortly after current South African president Jacob Zuma confirmed news of the politician's death.

In a televised address from The White House, President Obama said: "[Mandela] achieved more than can be expected of any man. Today he has gone home. He no longer belongs to us, he now belongs to the ages."

"Through his fierce urgency and unbending will, Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us," the US president commented.

"His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better."

The President credited Nelson Mandela with inspiring his own interest in politics.

Mandela has received tributes from world leaders and political figures, including UK prime minister David Cameron and former US leader Bill Clinton.